NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson gives us his response to the trade that brings Mike Morse to the Pacific Northwest. The positives from this move is that Morse actually knows how to hit, he wants to be in Seattle and the acquisition shows that the organization is willing to take some risks. The problem is that they’ve added yet another first baseman, and they sent away their only everyday catcher in John Jaso.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson gives us what he thinks needs to happen for the Mariners to improve the most important stat in all of baseball. Wins. The 5 guys who need improvement are Brendan Ryan, Justin Smoak, Hector Noesi, Mike Carp, and Dustin Ackley. Though Ackley already has an important role with this team, Danny is asking for about 20 more triples from the Ack Attack. These 5 guys improve, and the M’s will have 5 more wins in 2013.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the MLB breaking news this week on the signing of Raul Ibanez. Returning for his third stint with the M’s, Ibanez brings much needed power to the lineup—just like the majority of Seattle’s signings this offseason. A big question is what does this mean for Justin Smoak?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on what he believes are prudent questions following the trade between the Angels and the M’s for Jason Vargas & Kendrys Morales. Danny wonders whats up with Justin Smoak now. The reason that Kendrys Morales was an available trade option was due the fact that the Angels had too many first base options. Do the M’s now too?
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the M’s 2013 trade options for Kansas City Royals slugging 1B Billy Butler. No matter which way you slice it, the Mariners will have to give up one of the big three pitching prospects, Jeff says he would go with James Paxton, plus M’s stud Jason Vargas, and throw in Justin Smoak just to get him off our hands. Let’s see what the KC GM thinks.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on why its not right to give up on Mariners underachieving Justin Smoak. Danny points out there is no doubt that he working from a base of natural strength. The guy has a real girth to his legs to be able to drive the ball he says. Can Smoak see well enough to realize his days are numbered unless there is a change? Danny says he can. He believes in Justin Smoak.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Danny Ferguson reports on his ideas to get the 2013 Mariners back on track. Danny says the key is a total image rebuild, not just for the on field team, but in every aspect of the franchise. But the fans have to step up to: prove your devotion to the team, and give them reason to succeed. When the M’s had Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson and Jay Buhner, it was easier to take some of the losses wasn’t it?
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on his idea for a trade scenario to greatly improve the Mariners. With persistent trade rumors of San Diego shopping Chase Headley, it’s time Jack-Z and the Mariners dived into the talks. With his golden glove and big bat, he’d be the perfect franchise player in Seattle.
New NWSB Insider & Seattle Mariners blogger Jeff Budke weighs in on the M’s 2013 options at first base. In all likelihood, Carp is quad-A player, good to great in the minors, but not quite enough against Major League pitching. Let’s assume GM Jack Zduriencik is not assuming turnarounds from either player and line up some options for the Mariners. Mike Zunino? Dustin Ackley? Mitch Moreland? Who knows…
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on his list of offseason moves for the 2013 Seattle Mariners. The team is in a crossroads, looking to build off their strong farm system while staying competitive. While they have to sacrifice in some areas—such as keeping the rotation open—it’s time they sealed up old holes—such as the enigma at firstbase. Keep Jason Vargas and Felix Hernandez figure out Justin Smoak.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the best and worst moments of the Seattle Mariners 2012 season in this love ‘em & hate ‘em. It was a year of highs and lows, that inevitably ended in another losing season for the M’s. From King Felix Hernandez’s perfect game to the Ichiro Suzuki trade deadline, there was plenty to love and hate. Don’t foget the Jesus Montero trade, and Justin Smoak struggling.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports today’s Mariners press release, in which it was announced that the dimensions of Safeco Field are being altered. Long renowned for it’s big outfield and tough home run fences, The Safe is one of the best pitching spots in the Major Leagues. A move like this will be great for the hitters, but will it be great for the team?
